TIP: Although you need to make your master approx 10% bigger than the final, I suggest adding extra to the height when using clay as it kinda compacts and shrinks as you work with it. This is true for the 1st and 2nd day. By the 3rd it has dried enough not to do this.

The only thing holding me up at the moment is trying to access electric scales! Darn it! The silicon parts A & B need to be measured by weight and kitchen scales just don't cut it.

Other than that, I've been getting my thoughts together on how to create the silicon mold the "economical" way which is by making a 1 part mold as opposed to a 2 part mold (which the plaster needs to be). Once I found out that the silicon is flexible enough to pull away from the clay master, I got it figured. (Imagine it's like pulling a sock off your foot).

So anyway, back to asking around for electric scales, which will no doubt cost me some time.

I guess I should add another tip while I'm here hey? OK...

TIP: Create your clay master as a solid, not hollow like a finished mug. If it is hollow, you will need to block the opening in order to create your mold. Also, you don't need to fire your clay master when making a silicon mold. Just let the baby dry. Mine has turned from a poo yellow colour (otherwise known as clay colour) to a white-ish colour.

On 2006-02-13 21:42, hmc wrote:The only thing holding me up at the moment is trying to access electric scales!

Try specialty kitchen supply stores like Bed, Bath & Beyond. Also firearms reloading/gun shops carry very precise gram scales. If you're just looking to "borrow" one for a minute, you might be able to use a scale in the produce section of the grocery store. Mine has a couple electronic scales out for the public to use. Hobby and craft stores may have the same.